ASI’s Discoveries: Megaliths in Kerala & Buddhist Finds in Odisha

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has made significant discoveries at two different locations in India, shedding light on ancient burial practices and Buddhist heritage. In a recent exploration near Malampuzha Dam in Palakkad, Kerala, ASI stumbled upon over 110 megalithic burial sites, marking an important find for understanding the region’s early Iron Age society. Simultaneously, excavations in Ratnagiri, Odisha, have unveiled a treasure trove of Buddhist antiquities, offering crucial insights into the spread of Vajrayana Buddhism and its connections with Southeast Asia.

Discovery of Over 100 Megaliths Near Malampuzha Dam

The Exploration and Findings

A team from ASI, while surveying the Malampuzha region in Palakkad, Kerala, discovered a cluster of over 110 megalithic structures spread across approximately 45 hectares of land. The site, consisting of island-like mounds, is considered one of the largest megalithic burial grounds ever found in Kerala.

Understanding Megalithic Structures

Megaliths are large stone structures that were built primarily for burial purposes, usually using rough stones without any binding material like cement or mortar. These burial sites were commonly seen during the Neolithic and Bronze Ages and are significant in understanding early human settlements and their belief systems.

Types of Megalithic Burials Found

ASI officials confirmed that the discovered burials belong to different categories, including:

• Cist Graves – Small coffin-like stone boxes used for burial.
• Stone Circles – Circular arrangements of large stones marking the burial sites.
• Urns – Large pots used to contain cremated remains.
• Dolmens – Table-like stone structures with massive slabs.
• Dolmenoid Cists – A variation of dolmens with enclosed chambers.

The burial sites primarily consist of granite slabs and boulders, with some structures incorporating laterite stones as well.

Significance of the Discovery

The massive concentration of megalithic burials in this region is expected to provide new insights into the Iron Age societies of Kerala, their burial customs, and their religious beliefs. The discovery aligns with other notable megalithic sites in South India, such as Brahmagiri in Karnataka and Adichanallur in Tamil Nadu.

Ratnagiri Excavations: A Glimpse into Ancient Buddhist Heritage

Unveiling of Buddhist Antiquities

Alongside the discoveries in Kerala, ASI is conducting ongoing excavations at Ratnagiri in Odisha, approximately 100 km from Bhubaneswar. This site is known for its historical significance in Buddhist art and architecture.

Key Discoveries at Ratnagiri

The excavation has unearthed a variety of architectural and artistic relics, including:

• Ancient Shrines – Evidence of early Buddhist worship centers.
• Series of Votive Stupas – Small stupas built as devotional offerings.
• A Brick Stupa with a Unique Crisscross Design – A significant addition to Buddhist architectural findings.
• A Rectangular Chaitya Complex – An elaborate structure built with intricate brick and stone masonry.
• Three Colossal Buddha Heads – Large statues representing Buddhist ideals.
• Monolithic Votive Stupas – Stone-carved stupas featuring Buddhist deities such as Tara, Chunda, Manjusri, and Dhyani Buddha.
• Sanskrit Inscriptions – Engraved on sealings and sculptures, offering valuable historical evidence.
• Rich Pottery Assemblage – Dominated by greyware, which adds further depth to the site’s cultural and artistic traditions.

Significance of the Ratnagiri Excavation

The Buddhist structures found at Ratnagiri highlight a crucial period of transition from Mahayana to Vajrayana Buddhism, providing insights into the spread of Vajrayana traditions from Eastern India to Southeast Asia. The presence of hundreds of votive stupas suggests that Ratnagiri was a major center of Buddhist learning and pilgrimage during the early medieval period.

Summary of ASI Discoveries in Kerala and Odisha

Category	Details
Why in News?	The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has made significant discoveries at two locations—over 110 megalithic burial sites in Kerala and Buddhist antiquities in Odisha, shedding light on ancient burial practices and Buddhist heritage.
Location 1	Malampuzha, Palakkad, Kerala
Discovery	Over 110 megalithic burial sites spread across 45 hectares.
Types of Burials Found	– Cist Graves (stone box burials) – Stone Circles (circular arrangements of stones) – Urns (used for cremated remains) – Dolmens (table-like stone structures) – Dolmenoid Cists (chambered dolmens)
Significance	Provides insights into the Iron Age society of Kerala, their burial customs, and religious beliefs. Aligns with other South Indian megalithic sites like Brahmagiri (Karnataka) and Adichanallur (Tamil Nadu).
Location 2	Ratnagiri, Odisha
Discovery	Excavation of Buddhist antiquities, showcasing Vajrayana Buddhism’s influence.
Key Findings	– Ancient Shrines – Votive Stupas (devotional stupas) – Brick Stupa with unique crisscross design – Rectangular Chaitya Complex – Three Colossal Buddha Heads – Monolithic Votive Stupas (with Buddhist deities) – Sanskrit Inscriptions (on sealings & sculptures) – Rich Pottery Assemblage (dominantly greyware)
Significance	Highlights the transition from Mahayana to Vajrayana Buddhism, indicating Ratnagiri’s role as a major Buddhist learning and pilgrimage center during the early medieval period. Links to Vajrayana Buddhism’s spread to Southeast Asia.